Anxiety Treatment in Beverly Hills, CA
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and can be beneficial in some situations. It can alert us to dangers and help us prepare and pay attention. Anxiety disorders differ from normal feelings of nervousness or anxiousness, and involve excessive fear or anxiety.
Anxiety disorders are the most common of mental disorders and affect nearly 30 percent of adults at some point in their lives. But anxiety disorders are treatable and a number of effective treatments are available. Treatment helps most people lead normal productive lives. Anxiety disorders can cause people into try to avoid situations that trigger or worsen their symptoms. Job performance, school work and personal relationships can be affected.
Beverly Hill and West Hollywood’s Leader in Anxiety Treatment
Dr. Amir Ahuja is a board-certified and fellowship-trained psychiatrist with extensive experience helping people with anxiety disorders. He will take the time to listen and fully understand your symptoms in order to devise a treatment plan.
If you struggle with anxiety and are interested in seeking treatment, call 310-998-7114 to request an appointment with Dr. Ahuja at his Beverly Hills psychiatry office today.
What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety?
Symptoms of anxiety may start during childhood or the teen years and continue into adulthood.
Emotional symptoms may include:
- Feelings of apprehension or dread
- Feeling tense or jumpy
- Restlessness or irritability
- Anticipating the worst
- Being watchful for signs of danger
Physical symptoms may include:
- Pounding or racing heart and shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Tremors and twitches
- Headaches
- Fatigue and insomnia
- Upset stomach, frequent urination or diarrhea
Types of Anxiety Disorders
There are several different types of anxiety disorders. These include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)-exaggerated worry about everyday life
- Social anxiety disorder-intense fear about social interaction
- Phobias-places, events or objects create powerful reactions of strong, irrational fear
- Agoraphobia-a type of anxiety disorder in which you fear and avoid places or situations that might cause you to panic and make you feel trapped, helpless or embarrassed
- Selective mutism– a severe anxiety disorder where a person is unable to speak in certain social situations, such as with classmates at school or to relatives they do not see very often
- Separation anxiety disorder– fear of being separated from a particular person, persons, or even a pet
- Substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder, involving intoxication or withdrawal or medication treatment
Anxiety disorders are the most common form of emotional disorder and can affect anyone at any age
What is the Treatment for Anxiety Disorders?
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a popular treatment method used by many mental health care providers.
This therapeutic method can be implemented across a variety of mental illnesses, and its ultimate goal is to bring about improvements in your health. You can learn tools to use and strategies to cope with anxiety when it occurs.
Medication is also available as a treatment option for anxiety and usually involves antidepressants and sedatives. These medications help to balance brain and body chemistry, prevent anxiety episodes, and curb the severity of symptoms. Talk to your doctor to see if medication is the best route for your anxiety.
When should I see Dr. Ahuja for an Anxiety Disorder?
If your anxiety is interfering with your family, work, or everyday life, you should seek professional help.
Talking to a medical professional can help if your fear or worry is unmanageable or you feel like it is getting out of control. Your worries may not go away on their own, and they may get worse over time if you don’t seek help. Six months is a good measure to see if things are improving or getting worse.
If you have suicidal thoughts or behaviors, seek emergency treatment immediately.
See a provider before your anxiety ruins your life or your relationships. It’s easier to treat if you get help early. The ultimate goal is to bring about improvements in your everyday life.
Is anxiety disrupting your quality of life?
Contact Dr. Amir Ahuja today.